The NBA lockout has the turned Oklahoma City's love affair with the Thunder into a long-distance relationship. And the local college football powerhouse has slipped from the No. 1 spot in at least one poll.

But Oklahoma City's stock as a sports city continues to rise. OKC has climbed to No. 26, up six spots from last year, in the latest Sporting News Best Sports Cities rankings. The rankings define Oklahoma City as the OKC metro area, which includes Norman.

Stillwater ranks 64th, up five spots from last year. Tulsa ranks 84th, up from 108th last year.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area, home to the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks and reigning American League champion Texas Rangers, replaced Chicago in the No. 1 spot.